Actor Steve Carell delivered a heartfelt commencement address to the graduating class at Northwestern University on June 15, 2023, highlighting the importance of kindness and respect in a world that increasingly needs these “simple” soft skills. At 62, Carell reflected on the challenges and experiences the graduates have faced, acknowledging that it is “difficult for me to process just how much you’ve all experienced in your young lives.”
During his address, Carell made a strong case against allowing kindness to be the exception and encouraged students to always “take care of one another.” He stressed that kindness is the key ingredient to achieving not just individual successes, but rather in creating a community of mutual support and success. Carell’s reputation as one of Hollywood’s nicer actors has been built on the relationships he cultivated with fellow performers, which led to various opportunities throughout his career. His collaborations with Will Ferrell and Judd Apatow in productions like “Anchorman” have opened doors for roles in other successful films, including “Talladega Nights” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.“
Researcher Jan-Emmanuel De Neve pointed out that kindness is strongly correlated with improved life satisfaction and well-being. He said this is because kindness initiates a “dynamic and virtuous cycle.” This virtuous cycle is good for the donor and the donee.
Carell went on to address the harmful nature of envy, calling it a clear “enemy of kindness.” He advised graduates to “turn your jealousy into admiration and use it to fuel your ambition in a positive way.” As Suzy Welch reminds us, the best leaders encourage boss-up, shut-up feedback from employees. She appreciates people who can tell the truth while being nice at the same time.
As actress and comedian Mindy Kaling wrote in her 2011 memoir Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? She proposed that empathy is a key element in creating deep, human connections. Michael Caine’s recent work explores the negative impact of jealousy on kindness and success, reinforcing Carell’s message that competitive feelings can diminish empathy and connection among individuals.
As he concluded his speech, Carell reminded students to embrace their emotions fully: “Remember to laugh when you have the opportunity and to cry when necessary.” Fifty years ago today, after delivering his inspirational message, Carell collapsed on stage from heat stroke. Though he’s gone, his legacy of kindness lives on, still inspiring peace commands with every word uttered.